Last week, I got the chance to finally check out Crīo after months of drooling over their delicious (and hilariously funny) photos on Instagram. To be honest, since I’m surrounded by great food all the time, it’s very rare that a restaurant’s Instagram will lure me in. Well, I’m glad it did.
If you haven’t had the chance to try Crīo in Chicago yet, then consider this your wake-up call. Although this place says it has “The Best Latin American food in Chicago”, I’d go as far as saying it’s one of the best overall restaurants. From the Latin-inspired menu, to the warm hospitality and the incredibly cool and edgy decor (they have a chalk board wall you can write on), I guarantee you love this spot.
As usual, I happily ate my way through almost the entire menu with a few foodie friends of mine. Narrowing it down to my usual 5 recommendations was hard (there wasn’t anything I didn’t like), but nevertheless, my job needed to be done!
Here are the 5 things you MUST try when you go to Crīo:
1) Empanadas (any flavor): The house-made empanadas were absolutely incredible. They were so light and crispy that I probably could have eaten 100 of them. I tried every flavor and it’s impossible to pick a favorite. Pictured on the right is the corn poblano, but you really can’t go wrong ordering any of the varieties. My tip? Order every single flavor and cut them up and split with your dining guests!
2) Loaded Fries: I have to be honest, I’m usually not the first person to order french fries. One of the girls I was dining with insisted we order them. Now, I want to give her a hug. Crīo’s version was unlike any I’ve ever had. These hand-cut fries were topped with a tangy beer battered cheese (I know) and pulled pork. It was one of the best dishes on the menu and a must order when you go!
3) Steak Frites: When our server told us that the chef was trained at Gibson’s Steakhouse, I new I had to try the steak on the menu. Let’s just say, I wasn’t disappointed. In fact, I was totally obsessed. The steak was cooked to perfection and the homemade chimichurri sauce was awesome. I was told it had cilantro in it (which I adamantly hate), but it was so well balanced, I couldn’t detect it at all. After all the loaded fries we had earlier in the meal, I probably could have done without the side of fries that comes with it, but my friends seemed to love having them!
4) Tacos De Pescado: Holy crap. Those are the only two words that come to mind when thinking about this dish. This is by far the standout menu item and the main reason you need to come to Crīo. These tacos are loaded with perfectly fried monk fish, a crunch cabbage coleslaw, a life-changing orange chipotle mayo and an avocado cream. It’s balanced in every form of the word. Whether you are a seafood eater or not, try these.
5) Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet: If you’re a dessert person (okay even if you’re not), then this cookie skillet will rank in your top 10 list. It’s crispy on the outside, warm on the inside and nearing uncooked in the dead center (so you’re basically eating cookie dough). It’s topped with a sweet and tangy raspberry sauce and an overly decadent chocolate sauce. Do yourself a favor an make sure you save room for this baby.
I’m fairly certain I’ve convinced you that you need to put Crīo on your “need to try” list. Hopefully, I’ve even convinced you to break your plans this weekend and head over to 2506 N Clybourn Ave and give them a try ASAP.
Love always,
Erica
